The Gruffalo comes to Knole Park in a brand new art trail
This month sees the arrival of some very special new visitors to Knole Park with the launch of The Gruffao Art Adventure.
Nestled amongst the grazing deer and magnificent parkland, 12 beautifully designed sculptures of one of the nation's most beloved character are hiding in plain sight and I was just as excited to visit as the children!
Hand-painted by artists, the trail has been devised by creative producers Wild In Art, and Knole is the first location to host the striking giant sculptures inspired by the mesmerising books by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffer.
Upon arrival, we were given a free activity booklet in the visitor centre before heading out to find all 12 of the Gruffalo statues dotted around the estate. From the Autumn-inspired 'Fall Again' and floral 'How Does Your Garden Grow?' Gruffalos through to the 'Great Big Bug Hunt' and 'Drawn To Adventure' Gruffalos, each has their own unique design drawing upon both nature and the stories themselves.
Each sculpture also has a letter as its base for little ones to discover and decipher into a Gruffalo-associated phrase. There are also games and colouring as part of the activity pack, as well as a reading corner and dress-up area in the Orangery where the trail ends.
Rebecca Ibbotson, Visitor Experience Manager says, "Weāre excited to be the first place to host this wonderful new trail from Wild in Art. We canāt wait to see the sculptures in the park and find out how each artist has painted them. The Gruffalo is a character that families love and recognise, and we hope they have fun discovering the sculptures and enjoying the story all over again."
Charlie Langhorne, Managing Director and Co-founder, Wild in Art, adds: "Our trails are designed to bring people together, encourage exploration, and create moments of joy in everyday spaces. As families discover each beautifully designed Gruffalo sculpture, theyāll enjoy a trail thatās fun, imaginative and bursting with creativity."
It's a beautiful way to spend time in nature, capturing the magic of the wonderful books and bringing some stunning artwork to the area. I highly recommend a visit if you're looking for a family day out this Autumn!
The Gruffalo Art Adventure is at Knole from Monday 29 August until Sunday 1 November 2026. Entry to the trail is included with normal admission to Knole. Pre-booking admission is essential to guarantee entry.
The Gruffalo Art Adventure at Knole is presented by the National Trust and Wild in Art, in collaboration with Magic Light Pictures.
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